Community Financial Services Group (CFSG) is a Vermont-based trust company that provides local, personal service to clients in Vermont, New Hampshire and beyond. Community Financial has been providing trust and investment management services for clients since 1926. Our seasoned staff specializes in providing unbiased, comprehensive financial advice, managing over $1 billion in assets.
We listen and take the time to get to know you so we can completely understand your financial situation and goals. We believe in offering unbiased, comprehensive advice to our clients. Our mission is to improve the well-being of our clients’ financial and emotional lives by providing complete financial and investment guidance as their trusted advisors.
CFSG’s equity investment approach is more of a “bottom up,” value-oriented process. We obtain a lot of our ideas for stock selection from research and periodicals, however, quantitative analysis is paramount to our stock selection process. We review relative valuations of P/E ratios, cash flow, PEG ratios, debt ratios, book value, dividend yield, etc. and compare valuations to the past and to peers. Additionally, we review finances, balance sheets, income statements and general fundamentals for the company and the industry, taking competition into consideration.
We also must consider what the catalyst for change is. When one of the original reasons we purchased a stock is no longer valid, then we review the security to determine whether it should be replaced.
Typically these consist of individual certificates of deposit, government and agency bonds, and corporate bond exposures established using ETFs and mutual funds to diversify risk. We believe a disciplined dynamic asset allocation and a bond duration management strategy can enhance investment returns and reduce portfolio risk over time. Accordingly, the average bond portfolio duration may be expanded by several years if it is evident that yields are trending lower as part of a major monetary cycle. Bond portfolio duration may be shortened if the probability of a higher interest rate environment in the near future is above average.
We evaluate the interest rate environment and devise a strategy to maximize total return while limiting downside market and credit risk. We then review your specific tax situation to determine if tax advantaged investments should be considered. Using this system and considering each unique tax situation, we choose the appropriate fixed income investments for you.
Joseph P. Preddy, CFP®
President & CEO
Joe Preddy
Joseph P Preddy, CFP® has been in the financial services industry since 1994. He began his investment career with Merrill Lynch in 1994 and attained a Certified Financial Manager designation while at Merrill Lynch. In 1998 Joe joined Smith Barney as a Financial Consultant where he continued to serve the needs of individuals, business owners and non-profit organizations. Joe has been with Community Financial Services Group since 2002.
After completing the Boston University School for Financial Management curriculum, Joe attained his Certified Financial Planning designation (CFP®).
In addition, Joe holds several securities registrations and insurance licenses. Joe is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Joe’s office is located in the Community National Bank building in Barre, VT.
Thomas Bright, CTFA
Senior Wealth Advisor & SVP
Thomas Bright
Thomas W. Bright is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President with Community Financial Services Group and works out of CFSG’s Middlebury, St. Albans and South Burlington offices.
Mr. Bright worked as a trust officer, department manager and vice president with Chittenden Bank for seven years until joining CFSG in 2008. He also began his banking career in Vermont with the original Banknorth Group’s Franklin Lamoille Bank in 1988.
In addition to his Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation, Mr. Bright holds an M.B.A. with honors in international business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He also was elected to two national honors societies and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Middlebury College.
Mr. Bright has also published a range of business articles internationally as well as in the United States and is a regular columnist for the ABA Trust Letter.
He has lived and worked abroad as a management consultant, is near fluent in French and is originally from Canada.
Patrick L. Talcott, CTFA
Senior Wealth Advisor & SVP
Patrick L. Talcott
Patrick Talcott is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President with Community Financial Services Group based in CFSG’s St. Albans and South Burlington offices.
Prior to joining CFSG, Patrick was a Senior Vice President in the Wealth Management Group of a multi-billion dollar bank for 19 years where he was responsible for some of the largest and most complex client relationships.
Patrick has a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Vermont. He is a former board member and past treasurer of Northwestern Medical Center.
Patrick lives with his wife and two children on a farm in Fairfield where he spends his free time managing his family’s 10,000 tap maple sugaring operation.
Randall Saulnier, AIF®, CTFA
Chief Business Development Officer & SVP
Randall Saulnier
Randall E. Saulnier began his career in banking and investments as a portfolio management accountant with State Street Corporation shortly after attaining a BS degree in business administration at Plymouth State University. During the ensuing 21 years with State Street Corporation, Randall worked as a money market trader, ultimately becoming a vice president of global markets, managing the bank’s fed funds position and trading fixed income.
Randall is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®). His office is located in Franconia, NH where he focuses on wealth management and retirement plans.
Shellie Wright, CTFA
Senior Wealth Advisor & SVP
Shellie Wright
Shellie Wright is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President with Community Financial Services Group. Shellie has been in the financial services industry since 2003. Prior to joining Community Financial in 2008, she was a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Shellie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Bryant University.
Shellie is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA). She earned this designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Banker’s Association. She also has completed all three levels of Trust I, II, and III at Cannon Financial Institute.
Paul J. Valente, CFP®, CTFA
Senior Wealth Advisor & SVP
Paul J. Valente
Paul Valente is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President with Community Financial Services Group based in CFSG’s Middlebury and South Burlington offices.
Paul began his career in financial services with Scottrade Financial in 2006 in Burlington, Vermont before moving to Boston where he worked at Fidelity Investments.
He rejoined Scottrade Financial in the greater Boston area as a Financial Consultant and Branch Manager, working directly with local clients before joining CFSG in 2014.
Paul holds CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designations, multiple securities licenses, and is a University of Vermont graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance.
Originally a Connecticut native, Paul is an avid skier, runner, and former member of the UVM soccer team. He and his wife live in Shelburne with their two children.
Joseph K. Jenkins
Wealth Advisor & VP
Joseph K. Jenkins
Joseph Jenkins is a Wealth Advisor and Vice President with Community Financial Services Group, based in CFSG’s Lyndonville and Newport offices serving The Northeast Kingdom.
With over thirty years of experience, Joe began his career in Boston with Kidder Peabody and Co. Prior to joining CFSG, Joe spent thirteen years as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors in Boston. Joe has extensive Fixed Income product knowledge and a sound understanding of Federal Reserve policy. Joe is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in Finance and Economics.
Joe currently resides in Newport VT. In his free time, Joe enjoys golf, fly fishing, and skiing.
Suzanne L. Small
Wealth Advisor & AVP
Suzie Small
Suzanne L. (Suzie) Small is a Wealth Advisor and Assistant Vice President with Community Financial Services Group, based out of our home office in Newport serving the Northeast Kingdom.
Suzie has 14 years of experience in the financial services industry, having spent most of her career with one of the world’s largest investment companies, Vanguard, in Malvern, Pennsylvania. While at Vanguard, Suzie worked primarily with high-net-worth clients providing guidance and education around creating financial plans based on each client’s specific situation, needs and goals. She studied Political Science at the University of Georgia and holds several securities licenses.
Having been a visitor to the Northeast Kingdom for the past (almost) 20 years, Suzie is excited to finally call the NEK “home” and is looking forward to serving the unique needs of our clients and their families. In her spare time, you can find Suzie running the local trails or attempting to play golf at any of the local courses in the Kingdom. Suzie is an empty nester with two children that are now young adults. Suzie currently resides in Newport.
Brian Wooten, CFP®
Wealth Advisor & AVP
Brian Wooten
Brian Wooten is a Wealth Advisor and Assistant Vice President with Community Financial Services Group based in CSFG’s Burlington and St. Albans offices.
Brian began his career in financial services with Charles Schwab in 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana before moving to Vermont in 2003 where he worked for regional banks as a Financial Advisor.
He rejoined Schwab in 2018 in Burlington working with High-Net-Worth clients before joining CFSG in 2023.
Brian holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, multiple securities licenses, and is an Indianan Wesleyan University graduate earning a bachelor’s degree in business and political science.
Originally a Michigan native, Brian is an active basketball and soccer parent and enjoys kayaking and hiking in the summer. He and his wife live in Milton with 1 child still at home and 2 mostly grown up and on their own.
Brian Cussimanio
Wealth Advisor
Brian Cussimanio
Brian Cussimanio is a Wealth Advisor with Community Financial Services Group serving the Northeast Kingdom and New Hampshire.
Brian has over 20 years of experience in the securities industry. He has worked at major investment firms and insurance companies providing comprehensive financial planning services and portfolio management. Brian worked primarily with high-net-worth clients providing guidance and education around creating financial plans based on each client’s specific situation, needs and goals. Brian studied Electrical Engineering at Rutgers University and is fully securities licensed.
Having lived in Burlington for 30 years, Brian now calls the Northeast Kingdom home residing in East Burke. Brian is excited to be living in the NEK and is looking forward to servicing the unique needs of CFSG’s clients and their families. In his spare time, you can find Brian outdoors biking and skiing with his yellow lab.
Linda M. Parenteau
Operations Manager & SVP
Michelle Quinn Charest
Investment & Trading Manager & SVP
Kimberly L. Arms, CTFA
Fiduciary Tax & IT Officer & SVP
Julie Daigle Carpenter
Wealth Administrative Officer & VP
Tara L. Cote
Investment & Trading Officer
Holly R. Thweatt
Wealth Administrative Officer & AVP
Joslyn Letourneau
Senior Executive Assistant & AVP
Amanda Dagesse
Wealth Associate Specialist
Caitlin Sanville
Senior Investment & Trading Specialist
Kristen Kilby
Wealth Associate Specialist
Cara Baggott
Wealth Associate
Elizabeth Scott
Wealth Associate
Kristen Walters
Investment & Trading Specialist
Abigail Burt
Administrative Associate
Caroline Carpenter
President & CEO of National Bank of Middlebury,
Chair of the CFSG Board of Managers
Caroline Carpenter
Caroline Carpenter is President and CEO of National Bank of Middlebury. Her banking career includes working at VHFA as a portfolio accountant, Vermont Federal Bank as a mortgage originator, and joining National Bank of Middlebury in 1997. Caroline’s positions at National Bank of Middlebury have included chief operating officer, executive vice president, technology manager, Information Security officer, director, and Middlebury National Corporation treasurer.
She has served on community boards such as the Addison County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, HOPE (Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects), and is currently a member of the Addison County Hunger Council.
Caroline lives in Salisbury with her husband Craig and their three children.
Kathryn M. Austin
President & CEO of Community Bancorp & Community National Bank, Vice Chair of the CFSG Board of Managers
Kathryn M. Austin
Kathy Austin is President & CEO of Community National Bank. Kathy has worked at Community National Bank for over 36 years and prior to being named President & CEO she held the position of Chief Operating Officer. Kathy is a graduate of the New England School of Banking at Williams College and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She is also a recipient of the Outstanding Community Banker Award presented by the Vermont Bankers Association.
She currently serves as Board Chair of North Country Health Systems, as a Trustee of Northwoods Stewardship Center and is a member of the Newport Age-Friendly Advisory Council.
Kathy and her husband Shawn reside in Morgan, VT.
James Graham
President & CEO,
Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
James Graham
James E. Graham joined the Board of Directors of the Bank in 1996 and also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Graham has been with the Bank since 1979. He was appointed Assistant Vice President in 1989, Vice President in 1991, Senior Vice President in 1991, Executive Vice President in 1992, and since 1995 he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Graham also serves in the follow capacities: Trustee of New England Insurance Trust; Member of the Subscribers Advisory Committee for New England Mortgage Insurance Exchange; New Hampshire Federal Delegate for Independent Community Bankers of America; Chairman of Community Bankers Association of New Hampshire; Chairman of Community Financial Services Partners, LLC; and serves on the Board of Managers of Community Financial Services Group, LLC.
Michael McLaughlin
President,
Bread Loaf Corporation
Michael McLaughlin
Michael G. McLaughlin is President of Bread Loaf Corporation. He has served as President of The Associated General Contractors of Vermont and is presently a member of the National Bank of Middlebury Board of Directors, as well as CFSG’s Board of Managers.
James Wheeler, Jr., Esq.
Lawyer & Director,
Downs Rachlin Martin P.C.
James (Jake) G. Wheeler, Jr.
Jake has practiced law with Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC since 1974 and has been a member of the firm since 1978. His practice focuses principally in the areas of corporate governance, transactions, and financing; complex real estate acquisitions and financing; and trusts and estates. He currently chairs the firm’s Trusts and Estates group. Jake graduated from Harvard University (B.A., cum laude, 1970) and Boston University School of Law (J.D., 1974). He is a member of the Caledonia County, Vermont, and American Bar Associations and the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.
Jake’s community involvement includes Member of the Board of Directors of Vermont Community Foundation; member of the Board of Managers of Community Financial Services, LLC; trustee of the Michael Anagnos School and Foundation; Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium Fellow and chair of the Museum’s Nominating Committee for the Franklin Fairbanks Award; and member of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Federation of Fly Fishers, and Trout Unlimited. He is a past board member and board chair of Burke Mountain Academy, the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, and the Riverside School.
Jake and his wife, Cathie, live in East Burke, Vermont. He enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, running, fly fishing, fly tying, all sports, and reading. Jake and Cathie have two grown daughters.
Michelle McVetty, CPA
Partner | Cohos Advisors PLLC
Lancaster, New Hampshire
Michelle McVetty
Michelle has been a partner at Cohos Advisors since 2019 and has been working with small businesses and individuals for over 12 years. She graduated summa cum lade from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and received her Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley University in 2018. Michelle oversees the tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services in the firm.
Michelle grew up working on her family’s large NH dairy farm becoming very familiar with the responsibilities of a dairy farmer. Her first taste of accounting and business came from helping her father, Scott, with the farm, which played a major role in pursuing an accounting degree.
Michelle lives with her husband Eric and two children, Avery and Easton, in her hometown, Lancaster, NH. Their family will soon become residents of Guildhall, Vermont.
David A. Otterman
David A. Otterman is an eighth generation Vermonter. He is a trust and estate lawyer who has practiced over 30 years in the firm formed by his father, Otterman and Allen P.C. in Barre. He is a graduate of Norwich University (B.A. 1974) and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps (Active duty 1974-1978). David graduated from Vermont Law School (J.D. 1981). He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is listed in the publication Best Lawyers in America. David has been selected as a New England SuperLawyer. He resides in Orange with his wife Karen. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Cindy Myhre
Owner,
Cindy S. Myhre, CPA, PC
Cindy Myhre
Owner of Cindy S. Myhre, CPA, PC, Cindy has been a Certified Public Accountant in Middlebury, VT for over 25 years. She specializes in providing small businesses and individuals high level tax and financial accounting services.
Cindy’s additional community involvement includes treasurer and board member for Friends of Middlebury Hockey, Inc. and treasurer and board member for Memorial Sports Center Commission, Inc. She is a past board member and treasurer for Addison County Home Health & Hospice, Inc. and past board member and president for Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association.
Cindy graduated from Champlain College in 1987. She has a passion for horses and dressage, including extensive study with master riding teachers in Portugal and the US. Cindy lives in Middlebury and has two grown sons.
Jon Valsangiacomo
Attorney & Member,
Valsangiacomo, Detora & McQuesten
Jon Valsangiacomo
Jon Valsangiacomo has been a member of the Valsangiacomo, Detora & McQuesten law firm since 2000. He was admitted to practice law in Vermont in 2000. He was admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont in 2003. His primary practice area is litigation, both criminal and civil. He is a member of the Vermont Bar Association, Washington County Bar Association, and American Bar Association.
Jon is a graduate of the University of Maine School of Law (JD 2000) and Providence College (BA History 1993). Prior to attending law school, Jon worked for the governmental and public relations firm of Kimbell, Sherman & Ellis as a lobbyist from 1994-1997. He also worked with the governmental relations firm of William Shouldice & Associates in 1994. Jon was an intern for United States Senator Patrick Leahy in 1993 in the Senator’s Washington, DC office.
Jon was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended schools in Barre, Vermont. Jon is an avid outdoorsman. He also has been active in political campaigns in Vermont, Rhode Island, and Maine.
